One of the most notorious criminals in the Mopani area was given long-term sentences in jail for a variety of serious crimes. Solly Mpho Moloiwa (28) was sentenced by two separate courts last week.

The Phalaborwa High Court sentenced him to life imprisonment for murder, 10 years for attempted murder, 15 years for armed robbery, and 11 years for unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.

The Ritavi High Court has sentenced him to 10 years imprisonment for rape, 15 years for armed robbery and 11 years for unlawful possession of firearm and ammunition. The accused was arrested in 2004 following his reign of terror in the Giyani area.

In a statement released to the media last week, police spokesperson Supt Moatshe Ngoepe said: "This sentence will serve as a deterrent to the criminals-to-be. This will send a message because the accused was sentenced at the beginning of the sixteen days of activism on no violence against women and children. We convey our gratitude to all community members who contributed to the arrest of the accused."